Article Contributed by L. Paul Mann
Published on 2026-04-08
Photos by L. Paul Mann
There is a specific kind of magic when a legendary voice meets the perfect acoustic space. On Wednesday night, the historic Lobero Theatre—California’s oldest continuously operating performance hall—hosted Justin Hayward, the voice and soul of The Moody Blues. For those lucky enough to be in the room, it was more than a performance; it was a masterclass in understated rock elegance.
The “Story in Your Eyes” tour finds Hayward in a reflective, almost conversational mood. Taking the stage with his signature red Gibson ES-335 and an easy smile, he moved seamlessly into the catalog that helped define an era of progressive pop.
The set opened with a buoyant rendition of “Lovely to See You,” immediately establishing the tone for the evening. Hayward’s tenor remains remarkably intact. While many artists of his generation have shifted their material into lower keys, he continues to reach those familiar, soaring notes with striking clarity—even now at 79.
Backing him was a lean but exceptionally skilled ensemble. Acoustic guitarist Mike Dawes added a rich, modern layer with his intricate fingerstyle approach, bringing a subtle rhythmic pulse that complemented Hayward’s playing. The arrangements felt both fresh and faithful, bridging past and present with ease.
“Tuesday Afternoon” transformed the Lobero into something dreamlike, its delicate harmonics carried effortlessly by the room’s pristine acoustics. Every note felt suspended in time, a reminder of just how much space and nuance this music still holds.
A mid-set emotional peak arrived with “Forever Autumn” (from Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds). Here, Hayward’s gift for storytelling through melody was on full display, holding the audience in quiet focus.
For longtime fans, the “Deep Cuts” medley—featuring “The Day We Meet Again,” “In My World,” and “Voices in the Sky”—offered a deeper look into his catalog. These selections underscored that Hayward’s lesser-known material carries just as much emotional and musical weight as his most recognizable songs.
As the set moved toward its final stretch, the mood in the room shifted from appreciation to something closer to reverence. The opening chords of “Nights in White Satin” brought a hush over the audience. A song heard countless times took on new life in the intimacy of the Lobero, feeling immediate and alive.
The main set closed with a spirited performance of “Question,” with Hayward and Dawes trading intricate guitar passages that pushed the energy higher, drawing the crowd to its feet.
The Lobero may be a “Green Certified” venue, but on this night the energy inside was anything but subdued. Between songs, Hayward shared reflections and stories that bridged the distance between rock icon and audience, turning the evening into something deeply personal.
If this tour represents “the story in his eyes,” it is one still unfolding—with grace, precision, and a voice that continues to resonate across generations.
Setlist Highlights:
Lovely to See You
Tuesday Afternoon
Living for Love
The Voice
Forever Autumn
Nights in White Satin
The Story in Your Eyes (Encore)
I Know You’re Out There Somewhere (Encore)
